 Most viewed - Lake Toya (Toyako) 洞爺湖 |
Toyako Onsen Spa is Lake Toya's main town and tourist base on the southern shore. It is a cluster of hotels and ryokans offering hot spring waters.619 views
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With buckets and water testing kits, they do their testing.604 views
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If you want to bicycle around Lake Toya, do it in the counterclockwise direction from Toyako Onsen where you can rent a bicycle. It's easier slope-wise and you can see the lake better on the left side of the road.555 views
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JR Toya Station is the closest train station to Lake Toya. From this station, take a bus or taxi. There are also other buses going to Lake Toya from other places such as Sapporo and Date.497 views
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The Nishiyama Crater Trail (Nishiyama Kako Sansakuro) is accessible by car or bus from Toyako Onsen Spa or Toya Station. Get off at the Nishiyama Kako Kitaguchi which is in front of this former fire dept. station. 旧西胆振消防組合本部471 views
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Toya manhole showing the Ukimido temple and Nakajima islands. Hokkaido392 views
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The mannequin is a slightly larger-than-life likeness of Yokozuna Kitanoumi performing the Yokozuna Dohyo-iri (ring-entering ceremony). Yokozuna Kitanoumi Memorial Hall, Sobetsu, Hokkaido374 views
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Lake Toya lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal. Showa-Shinzan clearly in sight. 洞爺湖展望台372 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」371 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan is a lava dome which arose in the middle of farm land in 1943-45. Lake Toya, Hokkaido.367 views
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After bicycling through eastern Lake Toya, I continue my trip around Lake Toya as I head north, entering Toyako town.360 views
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Sculpture: by Keiko Amamiya, 雨宮 敬子「洞照」. One problem with the outdoor sculptures, especially human figures, are the birds. Their droppings create unsightly white streaks down the body.360 views
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Sculpture: Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj. イゴール・ミトライ「月の光」348 views
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Lake Toya is decorated with almost 60 outdoor sculptures along the shore all around the lake. This is the first one you will likely see. By Tando Saka. 坂 担道「湖渡る風」343 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera. Lake Toya has many nude woman sculptures.335 views
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JR Toya Station is on the JR Muroran Line. There are express trains going directly to/from Sapporo.329 views
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It sort of looks like Kitanoumi...329 views
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Mt. Usu's Ginnuma Crater, one of the largest. It was created during the 1977 eruption. 銀沼大火口328 views
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Showa-Shinzan closeup. Still steaming.324 views
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Way to Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. A short walk from the bus terminal.321 views
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On the west end of Toyako Onsen are more sculptures and a park. Sculpture by Kan Yasuda. 安田 侃「意心帰」316 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa 黒川 晃彦「湖畔にて」309 views
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Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」306 views
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Mt. Usu is on the left, Showa-Shinzan on the right. In the background is the conical Mt. Yotei. Between Usu and Showa-Shinzan is the tourist village and the Usuzan Ropeway terminal.300 views
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Road to Showa-Shinzan. That's the Showa-Shinzan Youth Hostel on the right. Best way to get to Showa-Shinzan is by bus from Toyako Onsen bus terminal.295 views
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New Chitose Airport, Hokkaido's main gateway, is the first place you see G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome signs. As we get off (or get on) the plane.295 views
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Near the Toya Mizunoeki is Toya High School whose Environment Club regularly take water samples from Lake Toya to test the lake's water quality. They go behind the Toya Mozunoeki and take water samples with plastic buckets.289 views
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Inside JR Toya Station.284 views
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Lake Toya's bald spot.282 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya279 views
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Eastern Lake Toya, with Mt. Usu in the distance.278 views
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Swans along Lake Toya, Sobetsu, Hokkaido278 views
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Lake Toya and swan, Hokkaido277 views
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The Nakajima islands in the center of Lake Toya. There are four islands. Most them have a conical shape.277 views
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Cherry blossoms and the Nakajima islands, Lake Toya. Early May 2008.275 views
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Sobetsu Park and plum blossoms overlooking Lake Toya, Hokkaido.275 views
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Entrance to Toya Station from the train platform.273 views
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Toya Station platform and sign for outgoing passengers: "See you again!" (Mata no okoshi wo)267 views
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Mt. Usu or Usuzan as seen from the lake.265 views
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Wrecked car261 views
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The summit welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station also lists environmental activities by local groups. Converting waste vegetable oil to diesel fuel, using snow for refrigeration, etc.261 views
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Toyako Culture Center with G8 Summit flags257 views
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Toya Station platform and local train.255 views
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Sculpture: by Aiko Miyawaki, 宮脇 愛子「うつろひ」 This is at the western edge of Toyako Onsen. It was past 5 pm when I got back to Toyako Onsen by bicycle.254 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome sign in front of JR Toya Station.254 views
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The ocean beach near Toya Station.252 views
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Sculpture: Recovery, by Rei Nibe 二部 黎「復活」249 views
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Heading back. Remember that the trail is not open during the winter months. For more info call 0142-75-4400.249 views
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Usuzan Ropeway terminal on the left.248 views
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Nakajima islands and swan, Lake Toya, Hokkaido245 views
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Lake Toya and swans, Hokkaido244 views
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More dramatic terrain. There's no threat of further eruptions in this area, so don't worry about getting caught in a shower of hot lava and volcanic ash while walking around here.244 views
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Bus stop in front of Toya Station with Toyako town's slogan: Town of greenery, lake waters, and heartful encounters.244 views
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Next to the former fire station is this small pond, called Nishiyama Kako-numa, created by the eruption and blocking the road. 西山火口沼(西新山沼)239 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station. Notice the G8 Summit flags.239 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.239 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: T-shirts238 views
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Official logo of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit on the Toyako Culture Center.237 views
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Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya, Hokkaido 浮見堂233 views
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Espoir is the name of this lake cruise boat shaped like a medieval European castle. Can't get more gimmicky than that.232 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Welcome banner on a building in Sapporo.232 views
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Welcome banner on train platform.229 views
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Usuzan Ropeway car holds over 100 people.229 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker on a bus window in Sapporo.229 views
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The fire dept. building was damaged by the eruption, so it is no longer used by the fire dept. However, you can enter it and see some display panels.228 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Pins228 views
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The new Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal226 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.226 views
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Toyako Town Hall, front side, festooned with G8 Summit flags.226 views
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Right side of Ukimido pagoda, Lake Toya.225 views
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Toyako Onsen bus stop. "Toyako" means Lake Toya, and "Onsen" means hot spring. Lake Toya is within the municipalities of Toyako-cho town and Sobetsu-cho town (east shore).223 views
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Ekimae Sambashi Pier at Toyako Onsen Spa. The lake cruise fare is 1,320 yen for adults and 660 yen for kids. (Slightly more expensive during Nov.-April.) 駅前桟橋222 views
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A tourist village called Kazan-mura (Volcano Village) has developed at the foot of Showa-Shinzan. 火山村222 views
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The Usuzan Ropeway terminal has gift shops selling a variety of G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise. T-shirts, bags, candy, etc.222 views
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Another cruise boat. The cruise boats leave every 30 min. from 8 am to 4:30 pm during April-Oct. During Nov.-April, it operates every hour from 9 am to 4 pm.221 views
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The Yokozuna Kitanoumi Ki'nenkan or Memorial Hall looks like a miniature version of the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo. Although it's near Lake Toya, it's off the main tourist road. There is a bus stop nearby, but I rented a bicycle.220 views
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A short bus ride from Toyako Onsen is the Nishiyama crater trail. Highly recommended. A series of craters can be seen up close. More photos here.218 views
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Next to Toya Station is the Toyako Town Hall, also with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.217 views
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Distance-wise, Showa-Shinzan is not very far. But the killer slope will get you... At least the return bike ride was a thrill and very quick.217 views
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Road blocked by the pond. The Nishiyama Craters are part of Mt. Usu. They are on the west side of Usuzan and were formed by the March 2000 eruption.215 views
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Some trains are decorated with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign.214 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms. Shikotsu-Toya National Park213 views
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Wrecked confection factory. A dramatic reminder of what volcanoes can do.212 views
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Signs in English near the bus stop.211 views
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The Espoir returns to Toyako Onsen. The cruise takes 50 min. if you don't get off to visit the Nakajima islands. Otherwise, allow at least 30 min. for any island visits.210 views
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Buses from Toyako Onsen don't run very often, so check the bus timetable beforehand. I opted to rent a bicycle and rode to Showa-Shinzan. Unless you like to push a bicycle up a very long slope for about 30 min., take a bus.210 views
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This box of cookies show all the G8 Summit leaders bathing in a hot spring and scrubbing each other's backs. They also say, "Ii yu!" (great hot spring) which is pronounced "EU" as a pun.209 views
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The north entrance to the Nishiyama Crater Trail (Nishiyama Kako Sansakuro Kitaguchi). Open from April 20 to Nov. 10 during 7 am - 6 pm. Free admission, but donations accepted.208 views
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Local students from Abuta High School help beautify Toya Station.206 views
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Another wrecked house.205 views
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We cannot climb Showa-Shinzan.205 views
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There's a large parking lot full of tourists.203 views
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Sobetsu Falls, Lake Toya, Hokkaido.201 views
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The former fire station in the distance. The building still looks quite new.200 views
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Usuzan Ropeway, Lake Toya.200 views
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Ticket office inside JR Toya Station with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit flags.199 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome poster.198 views
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Park at the foot of Showa-Shinzan which means "New Mountain of the Showa Period." Showa-Shinzan is adjacent to Mt. Usu.198 views
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Leaving the ropeway terminal.198 views
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Windsor Hotel, G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit venue. It would've been great if it were shaped a like a mountain-top castle.197 views
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Lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal.196 views
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Inside the Espoir lake cruise boat. This is the lower deck. The boat is obviously available for hire for private parties and cruises.195 views
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Inside former fire station.195 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit merchandise: Confections sold at the train station kiosk.195 views
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When I got to the museum, the parking lot was quite full. It seemed that the museum was really popular. But most of them were there to play at the miniature golf course next to the museum.195 views
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Toyako lookout deck on Mt. Usu, near the ropeway terminal. 洞爺湖展望台195 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck for the most conspicuous crater, still emitting steam.191 views
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Glass door with G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sticker.191 views
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Toyako Onsen Spa190 views
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Lake Toya in early May188 views
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Miniature golf course188 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen187 views
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Going toward the lake. On the right is where you can rent a bicycle for 1000 to 1500 yen. On the left is the tourist office.187 views
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This cruise boat, called Espoir, looks like a medieval European castle. It's a double-hulled boat. The lake cruise fare is 1,320 yen for adults and 660 yen for kids. (Slightly more expensive during Nov.-April.)187 views
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The wrecked road.185 views
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Statue of Masao Mimatsu, a post office worker who observed and documented the development of Showa-Shinzan. His records are valuable.184 views
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After a long walk uphill with a bicycle, Showa-Shinzan is in sight. Showa-Shinzan is in the town of Sobetsu.183 views
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Statue of Masao Mimatsu.183 views
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Showa-Shinzan gets smaller.183 views
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Giant aerial photo of Lake Toya.182 views
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The ropeway distance is 1370 meters. It takes only 6 min. to reach Mt. Usu. The roundtrip ropeway fare is 1,450 yen for adults, 730 yen for kids.182 views
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Toyako Onsen has a nice lakefront promenade for pedestrians. Cars no longer travel here so it's pleasant for a stroll.181 views
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His Yokozuna "tsuna" rope belt.181 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign at Usuzan Ropeway terminal.181 views
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Hot spring foot bath is also popular with visitors.180 views
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An adjacent crater contains water and emits some steam.179 views
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The walking trail becomes a nice wooden boardwalk on rough terrain.178 views
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Toyako Onsen lakefront. There are a few cruise boat docks, motor boat docks, and swan pedal boats.178 views
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Apparently there weren't any cars on the road when this happened since everyone had been evacuated before the eruption occurred.177 views
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He is doing the Unryu-style dohyo-iri.176 views
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The closest we can go is this park at the foot.176 views
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Destination: Nakajima islands174 views
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Sign explaining the deformed road.174 views
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Sculpture: SHOWEN, by Noriyoshi Matsumoto. 松本 憲宣「SHOWEN」174 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Mt. Usu.174 views
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Most of the passengers were Chinese tourists. I came across Chinese tourists quite often in Hokkaido. They are certainly helping to support Japan's tourist industry.173 views
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The trail starts with a bumpy asphalt road.173 views
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Hot spring foot bath173 views
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Sculpture: Anthem of the Sun, by Machiko Kodera 小寺 真知子「太陽の賛歌」172 views
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Mt. Usu Crater lookout deck on the top of the hill. 有珠山火口原展望台172 views
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Ezo deer on Benten island.171 views
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Nishiyama Crater Trail171 views
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Going further along the crater trail.171 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck171 views
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On the eastern shore of Lake Toya in Sobetsu town, there's an uphill road off the lakeside road. It goes up to Sobetsu Park, a hillside park full of plum trees.171 views
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Upper deck is also very spacious.170 views
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There are four Nakajima islands. Each one has a name. On the far right is the smallest island, named Manjujima island. Also nicknamed Snake Island since they say it has many vipers. 饅頭島170 views
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Kitanoumi as a young sumo wrestler. Even as Ozeki, he already had the aura of a Yokozuna. He had an ideal sumo physique, quiet dignity, and awesome sumo technique and power. He was a shoo-in to be a yokozuna.170 views
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Lava dome on Mt. Usu. This volcano has erupted four times in the 20th century: 1910, 1943-45, 1977-78, and 2000 (on the west side called Nishiyama).170 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」169 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.169 views
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One of the largest and most active Nishiyama crater. There are about 30 craters in the area, and this one emits the most steam.168 views
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No. 1 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck167 views
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Toyako Onsen Spa tourist information office with a G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit welcome sign. Near the bus terminal and center of town.167 views
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The Toyako Visitor Center is spacious with a giant aerial photo of Lake Toya and various exhibits introducing the lake which is within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.167 views
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Sculpture: Muse, by Nobuyuki Akechi. 明地 信之「Muse」167 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.167 views
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Ezo deer sculpture and the Nakajima islands in the lake. The sculptures are called Toyako Gurutto Chokoku Koen (Lake Toya Circular Sculpture Park). The sculpture project started in 1984.166 views
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Ukimido near Benten island165 views
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The trail goes to the Minami-guchi (South entrance) of the crater trail.165 views
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Sculpture: Onna (Woman) by Chizuko Sasado. 笹戸 千津子「女」165 views
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Leaving the Nakajima islands.164 views
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Sea gull on the lake.164 views
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Broken telephone pole.164 views
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Lake Toya is a caldera lake, or crater lake. The mountain blew its top forming a huge crater. Later, volcanos erupted at the center to form smaller mountains which are now islands in the water-filled crater.164 views
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Lava dome on Mt. Usuzan164 views
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Toyako Onsen as seen from the lake.163 views
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Benten temple on Benten island163 views
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Boat dock at Oshima island. This island has a small nature museum.163 views
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The trail passes by a wrecked confection factory.163 views
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Hot spring foot bath on the lakefront promenade. It's called "Toron no Yu." 足湯163 views
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Windsor Hotel and lake cruise boat.163 views
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Mt. Usu Crater lookout deck on the top of the hill. 有珠山火口原展望台163 views
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View of the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck162 views
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In July 1974, he became the youngest sumo wrestler to be promoted to Yokozuna at age 21. His 18-year sumo career included 24 tournament championships.162 views
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Another hiking trail goes closer to Ginnuma Crater for a better view.162 views
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Heading back to the ropeway terminal.162 views
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The island on the left is Kannonjima island which is connected to Bentenjima island on the right via a sandbar. The islands are not accessible during winter.161 views
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Lake Toya and cherry blossoms blooming in early May.161 views
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The lake cruise boat heads back to shore as the Windsor Hotel (G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit venue) can be seen on the hill above. More boat cruise photos here.160 views
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Sculpture: 奥山喜生「回峰」160 views
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This lookout point is for viewing the Ginnuma Crater.160 views
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Ropeway terminal160 views
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Front of the boat.159 views
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Hot spring foot bath, great especially after taking a long walk.159 views
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Lake Toya as seen from Mt. Usu.159 views
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Kannon temple on Kannon island.158 views
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Heading to Oshima island.158 views
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Flowers from the asphalt cracks.158 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck158 views
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During Nov.-April, it operates every hour from 9 am to 4 pm. The cruise takes 50 min. if you don't get off to visit the Nakajima islands. Otherwise, allow 80 min. if you want to get also step foot on the Nakajima islands.158 views
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These pictures show what you will see when you cycle east from Toyako Onsen. I did it during cherry blossom time in early May. You can cycle around in 3 hours, but it took me all day due to sightseeing and shooting photos.158 views
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Path to Ginnuma Crater158 views
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Leaving Toyako Onsen157 views
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Oshima island, Nakajima islands.157 views
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The trail continues to more dramatic landscapes.157 views
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The Ekimae Sanbashi Pier, almost front and center along Toyako Onsen's lake shore, has cruise boats leaving for lake cruises to the Nakajima islands every 30 min. from 8 am to 4:30 pm during April-Oct.157 views
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View of Lake Toya from the ropeway car.157 views
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Kannon island, so called because there is a Kannon temple. 観音島156 views
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During the last eruption in 2000, Toyako Onsen was damaged by the debris. But no one died because everyone had been evacuated. A series of tell-tale earthquakes prompted the evacuation.156 views
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Going back down on the Usuzan Ropeway.156 views
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Ropeway terminal156 views
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The lakefront promenade goes for a good distance, passing in front of numerous hotels.155 views
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View of Date city and the ocean.155 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown in front of Sapporo Station.155 views
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Oshima is the largest Nakajima island.154 views
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Crater bottom.154 views
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Lake Toya sign and the Nakajima islands.154 views
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Mt. Showa-Shinzan as seen from Lake Toya.153 views
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It takes about 40 min. to walk the crater trail one way. So allow at least 90 min. for a round-trip.153 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck153 views
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Sculpture: Traveling Person, by Yoshiro Mineta 峯田 義郎「旅ひとり」153 views
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Sculpture in Toyako Enchi Park: Ripple Dance, by 関 正司「漣舞・リップル・ダンス」153 views
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View of the Nakajima islands from eastern Lake Toya.153 views
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From the ropeway terminal is a path to another hill which has another lookout point.153 views
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During early to mid-May, the plum blossoms bloom.153 views
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Sculpture: At the Lake, by Akihiko Kurokawa. Perhaps the most humorous sculpture.152 views
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Sculpture: 秋山沙走武「薫風」152 views
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Inside the refrigerated warehouse. There are two large rooms, one is filled with snow (seen in the back wall) and the other has the produce.152 views
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Ukimido as seen from Benten island151 views
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View from the No. 2 Nishiyama Crater Lookout deck. On the right is the crater of the initial eruption occurring in March 2000.151 views
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On this side of the lake, the waters are quite still.151 views
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On the shore of Lake Toya is binoculars through which you can see the Summit venue, the Windsor Hotel.151 views
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Kitanoumi souvenirs for sale.151 views
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Cherry blossoms151 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit sign inside the former Hokkaido Government Building.151 views
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G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit countdown at the former Hokkaido Government Building.151 views
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Nakajima islands, Lake Toya150 views
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The sumo ring is not made of real dirt.150 views
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The hiking trail goes along the rim of Ginnuma Crater. Most people don't go that far. 銀沼大火口150 views
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Cherry blossoms and plum tress. They bloom almost at the same time in Hokkaido.150 views
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Showa-Shinzan is on the left, with Mt. Usu at center.149 views
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You can see the road (and youth hostel) where you turn right to reach Showa-Shinzan.149 views
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Another crater which is dry.148 views
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Sculpture: by Keiko Amamiya, 雨宮 敬子「洞照」148 views
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Aqua-blue water was almost like a tropical ocean...148 views
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